Mather Pavilion Residents Bring Vitality to Memory Support Art Therapy Program and Exhibit

Mather Pavilion Residents Bring Vitality to Memory Support Art Therapy Program and Exhibit

Posted By Smarthinking PR, Community Contributor

Art Therapy Intern, Caroline Even (center) enjoys artwork produced by residents in recent Memory Support Art Therapy Program and Exhibit at Mather Pavilion in Evanston.

Art Therapy Intern, Caroline Even (center) enjoys artwork produced by residents in recent Memory Support Art Therapy Program and Exhibit at Mather Pavilion in Evanston. (Posted By Smarthinking PR, Community Contributor)

Smarthinking PR, Community Contributor

(EVANSTON, Ill.) May 14, 2013 – Connecting with older adults through art has been an influential experience for Caroline Even ever since she was a young girl visiting her grandparents and working on artwork with her grandmother, who had Parkinson’s disease. That rewarding interaction was one of the key factors influencing her decision to eventually seek her Master’s degree in Art Therapy at the Art Institute of Chicago, and explore the important role that art can play in helping improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of older adults. Even recently brought her unique skills to Mather Pavilion, a skilled nursing care residence in Evanston, to implement an art therapy program working with residents on its recent Memory Support Art Exhibit, April 22 - May 15.

The exhibit is the culmination of several months work by Even in her art therapy internship role at Mather Pavilion. Even and Mather Pavilion staff transformed the memory support common space into a gallery, replete with artwork that residents created in a range of media, over the past six months. The resident artists ranged in age from 74 to 97 years, and are living with varying levels of memory loss, while celebrating their own growth through creativity.

“Through engaging with art materials in collaborative, group settings, people with dementia can strengthen relationships with peers, caregivers, and family members,” says Even. “Art therapy interventions can utilize strengths and reinforce existing cognitive abilities, while promoting fine motor skills and coordination.”

In order to ensure every resident was able to engage with the therapy, the projects accommodated the varied levels of cognitive need among resident participants. Carrie Jackson, Mather Pavilion’s Activity Coordinator, worked with Even to execute the new initiative.

“The projects were tailored so that every resident could participate at some level,” says Jackson, “whether it be spending two weeks painting detailed watercolor, picking out a picture they identified with from a collection of magazines, or simply holding a piece of yarn in their hand to feel its softness.”

The creative process has the power to spark meaningful conversations and the sharing of ideas and the relationships formed between residents are crucial to Mather Pavilion’s goal in implementing the program. Even believes relationships help enhance one’s sense of self and value of their own individual strengths.

“When people are connecting to the materials they are connecting to their environment. They are creating something. And that is such a sign of vitality,” says Even, reflecting on the ability of art to cut through mental roadblocks.

Guests at the exhibit opening on April 22, including staff, residents, volunteers and immediate family, were impressed, with some guests expressing amazement at the quality and caliber of the individual works and the show overall.

“We are proud to partner with area schools providing intergenerational learning opportunities and memory support initiatives, not only for residents but for the students as well,” said Mather Pavilion’s Experience Director, Susan Fowler.

“I think that Mather Pavilion is a wonderful community,” reflects Even, who plans to pursue art therapy after graduating from the Art Institute in several weeks. “Everyone here is so committed to the care that we give. I have never experienced that before, where everybody is part of the family.”

Mather Pavilion is an award-winning senior living residence for those who require skilled nursing care, memory support, or rehabilitation services. Located in a pleasant Evanston neighborhood near Northwestern University, Mather Pavilion offers a comfortable setting where older adults enjoy companionship, encouragement, and activities that stimulate mind, body, and spirit. Mather Pavilion received the highest score in the Five-Star Quality Rating System administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). For more information about the programs of Mather Pavilion, visit online at www.matherpavilion.com, or call, (847) 492.7700.